#30 My ALS Journey—Rectified Reasonable Expectations

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Susan Catlett was bossy. She’d boss with a smile, which sometimes threw people off. Her bossiness worked well for her as a Sheriff’s Officer, school principal, or superintendent (although not always so well in our family). We would frequently drive up to a drive-through restaurant, and she would suggest to them how they could improve their service. Because she was so cheery, they would thank her for her input.

This post cracks me up because she “volunteered to help the Director of Operations” at this fine establishment.” Yes. I’m sure she did.

–Tricia

Wanting to be fair and balanced, as a follow-up to my posting regarding our misadventure at the motel in Kalispell, Montana, the motel management did rectify the situation by comping us for two of our three nights for both rooms (ours and Kathy’s) and even more important to me, they are checking the problems for the use of a wheelchair in their handicap rooms. The Director of Operations was advised of my disappointment for not receiving the product and customer service we had paid for and the difficulties I had maneuvering my bike in the room. She responded immediately, thanking me for alerting her of our situation, and assured me she would check on the challenges of using the handicapped rooms. It seems she has a brother who uses crutches and a wheelchair, so she is very sensitive to the situation.

This would not be a surprise to all who know me. I volunteered to help the Director of Operations if she needed more feedback on handicap rooms since Cliff and I are veteran road trippers. In my follow-up email to her, I threw in a couple of other suggestions to enhance the stay for a person requiring a handicapped room. What do you think? I can start a consulting service providing valuable information to motel managers regarding the comfort and convenience of those of us in wheelchairs–free rooms for free advice, what a deal.

This is still a whole new world for me, the view of the world from a wheelchair. I had no idea how trying to be independent and dependent simultaneously felt. This morning, a cute little girl held a door for me, and within the next few minutes, a man was reluctant to move out of my way as I was coming through a door. It was as though I was inconveniencing him–go figure.

We are having a wonderful trip. Cliff is a great driver and navigator. Last night, he was checking our room reservations for tonight (Wednesday) and found the 800 number reservation people had reserved rooms for us in Klamath Falls, Oregon, instead of Twin Falls, Idaho. It then became a problem when he couldn’t find accommodations in Twin Falls, especially since he couldn’t just dump me anywhere. Finally, after many frantic calls, he found us a couple of rooms at Best Western with a roll-in shower. After all, it does appear to be all about me.

We arrived safely in Twin Falls, had Chinese food for dinner, and now tucked in our rooms for the night. Driving to Sparks, Nevada, tomorrow and then home Thursday. I am looking forward to my own bed and chair. This is a good trip.

—Susan

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